Pavlova and Meringue Craziness

Ingredients

4 large egg whites, room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whipped

10 passion fruits, for serving (optional)

4 bananas, for serving (optional)

Mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, boysenberries, or blackberries, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an 8-inch bowl as a guide, trace the perimeter of the bowl onto a sheet of parchment paper. Transfer parchment paper, pencil side down, to a baking sheet. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt together until glossy peaks form. With mixer running, add sugar in three additions, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Sprinkle in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla; gently fold to combine.

Mound the meringue in the center of the 8-inch circle. Using a spatula, evenly spread meringue out towards the edges. Transfer baking sheet to oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degrees. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in oven. When meringue is cool and completely dry, top with whipped cream and desired fruits.

Tips:
1. Spread meringue on flat pan with no edge for easy sliding afterwards.
2. Cool meringue in the oven with oven door slightly ajar. 

Recipes from:

http://www.marthastewart.com/332803/pavlova

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/mini-pavlovas-162

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-raspberry-pavlova-200